Trade speculation regarding Ja Morant has perked up following his confrontation with the coaching staff and subsequent one-game suspension, but the idea of the Grizzlies moving Morant isn’t a new concept, Marc Stein of The Stein Line writes in his latest Substack column (subscription required).
Rival teams have been monitoring Morant’s situation in Memphis since this summer, according to Stein, when the organization gave a huge extension to Jaren Jackson Jr. but didn’t pursue a similar deal with Morant. The Grizzlies unloaded salary for a renegotiation and extension that resulted in a new deal for Jackson valued at an estimated $240MM over five years.
Regarding Morant, who has two seasons at more than $87MM left on his current deal, Stein notes that general manager Zach Kleiman called this “a big season for Ja” at media day, adding, “I think it is fair to say as we continue to build this team, to be able to achieve a high-end outcome, we need Ja to be a consistent All-NBA-caliber player.”
Stein also points out that Kleiman has “very publicly backed” head coach Tuomas Iisalo in the current dispute with Morant.
Stein offers m0re inside information from around the league:
- Sunday’s 31-point loss at Oklahoma City is turning up the heat on Pelicans coach Willie Green, Stein adds. At 0-6, New Orleans is one of two remaining winless teams and time may be running out to salvage the season. They already have three 30-point losses, and there are serious concerns about whether the Pelicans have enough shooting and playmaking to work their way into the play-in race. Stein notes that owner Gayle Benson is fond of Green, and there were rumors that she forced Joe Dumars to keep him in place when he took over as head of basketball operations. New Orleans is under pressure to win this season after sending an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to Atlanta in the Derik Queen trade, so patience with Green might be very thin. Stein notes that the Pelicans denied a request from the Knicks to interview associate head coach James Borrego this summer to become the lead assistant on Mike Brown’s staff. Stein states that there were whispers behind the scenes that the organization was keeping Borrego in anticipation of a potential coaching change.
- Nikola Vucevic was heavily involved in trade speculation dating back to last season’s deadline, but he’s rewarding the Bulls‘ decision to hold onto him, Stein notes. The 35-year-old center, who has an expiring $21.5MM contract, is off to a fast start, averaging 19.3 points and 12.3 rebounds through six games. His trade value is increasing, but Chicago may decide to keep him if it remains near the top of the Eastern Conference.
- Coach Jason Kidd offered hope over the weekend that Kyrie Irving may be back sooner than expected, but sources tell Stein that the timeline for the Mavericks guard should still be considered “fluid.” Stein was surprised to see Anthony Davis going through a pre-game workout Saturday at Mexico City. Davis is sidelined with a low-grade left calf strain and will be reevaluated on Tuesday after the team returns from its current road trip.
mavs bringing back Irving too soon is going to be a disater waiting ot happen. Irving best asset is his quickness. He needs to be 100% healthy or players with similar injuries need time to get their quickness back.
Kyrie not playing this season. The Mavs are just dangling that hope to keep their fan base from full revolt.
Kyrie got his ACL surgery at the end of March. Older players with a history of leg injuries require fill 12 months to get on the court and then two months of court activity.
The Mavs are just dangling the Kyrie coming back to court soon to keep their fan base on the hook for now.
Many older players, including Durant, have said it took them two years to feel like themselves after ACL injury. Kyrie will be 34 early next year. His career is done.
The Mavs best move is to try to sell their assets and go into full rebuild around Flagg and Lively.
First thing though is FIRE NICO!!!
No contending team is going to touch Morant with his drama history.
The only teams that would be interested are the perennial lottery teams wanting a circus act to try to sell tickets!
I think raptors are the team. He wouldn’t be a great fit w Barnes but it’s the type of swing I see them taking , esp if his price is low.
Also can never count out the big brains in Sac !
Would be interesting to see what the market is for him. I’m sure some team out there will think, but our staff will be able to control him and bring out a better side to him. He had a $40M+/yr contract. Even if the Grizzlies are willing to trade him for nothing, the receiving team has to want to devote that money to Morant, as opposed to, another Max Player.
m0re 1ns1d3 1nf0rmat10n. Tell me m0re!
When the Mavs play the Lakers in LA, the LA fans should repeatedly shout, “thank you Nico!”
Poor Nico should be appreciated!
Sixers: Julius Randle and KCP
TWolves: Ja Morant and GG Jackson
Grizzlies: Paul George, Jared McCain, Mike Conley and 3 first round picks (2 from Minny and 1 from Sixers)
Sixers
Maxey VJ Oubre Randle Embiid
Grimes KCP Watford Bona
Clear PG off the books and upgrade at PF but cost us a first and one of our young guards.
TWolves:
Ja Ant GG McDaniels Gobert
Dillingham DiVancenzo TSJ Reid
Get a star to pair with Ant long term and form one of the best backcourts in the league. GG is also a good pick up
Memphis:
Conley Coward PG JJJ Edey
McCain Wells Konchar Aldama
But if a rebuild, 3 firsts is a good return. Conley for a retirement season back at home, McCain as the future point guard. PG gives a good vet for your young wings.
No reason to bring back Kyrie this year. Unless they make it to West Finals. Best to have him full strength for start of training camp next year.
Don’t think Green will last in NO. They are missing Murray which is big. Not sure when he will be back. Reports say he is expected back sometime In January.
As soon as Zion gets his value up. I would move and go full rebuild. Move Poole too. Murphy, Queen, Missi is a solid front line to build around. Bey, Fears, Murray, Hawkins plus what you get in trades. You can build a good deep young team. Why pay Zion and Poole to lose. You can even move Murray later once Fears looks ready. Can get plenty for him too.